The music comes on loudly and we begin.  We follow a charismatic and talented instructor leading us through all of the dance moves.  The dances are fun and challenging.  These dance classes have become a place of therapy for so many.

This is where health journeys begin and self confidence blooms.

Friendships are formed and depression seeps away.

Growth is occurring in the bodies, hearts and minds of my fellow dancers today

Maybe this will be the first time someone will dance without thinking or find freedom to give it all they’ve got.

Maybe they are mastering a dance sequence they have been working on for weeks or learning to not beat themselves up if they don’t.

Maybe they are aiming to jump a little higher or let go of the burdens they carried into the room that day.

Maybe someone is learning to accept the reflection they see in the mirror or dancing away their grief or pain.

Maybe someone is expressing joy with their jumps and finding strength in their bodies they didn’t know was there.

This is a room full of people who have come from different places and all face unique sets of challenges.  But for one hour as we are all dancing side by side to the same songs, this room becomes a place of growth and change.  Day after day, we give it our all.  We work through the tough stuff of life and we come back stronger the next day.  This dance class, this room is life.  Who are you dancing next to and what are they challenged with today?  Let’s be patient with one another and keep dancing into a better tomorrow.